WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – alongside Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) – chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – led a joint hearing to receive the legislative presentations of the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Blinded Veterans Association, Veterans Education Success, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. and Reserve Organization of America. This is the first of three hearings with veteran service organizations (VSOs) over the next two weeks.

“I am grateful to the VSO leadership testifying today, we have met and discussed you being here in person to share the great passion and expertise they have for supporting veterans, their families and survivors,” said Sen. Moran. “The policies and programs that we will discuss today depend upon a strong and effective workforce at VA to deliver the care and benefits veterans deserve. I am committed to working with VSOs and my colleagues to make certain that the necessary VA workforce is preserved as VA implements new federal workforce guidance.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks

Remarks as Prepared:

“Thank you, Chairman Bost, and it is good to be here again with Ranking Members Blumenthal and Takano, and our Senate and House colleagues.

“And welcome to our VSO witnesses and those watching here and at home. I want to say a special hello to all VSO members here or tuning in today from Kansas.

“I am grateful to the VSO leaders testifying today for being here in person to share the great passion and expertise they have for supporting veterans, their families and survivors.  

“The policies and programs that we will discuss today depend on a strong and effective workforce at VA to deliver the care and benefits veterans deserve.

“I am committed to working with VSOs and my colleagues to make certain that the necessary VA workforce is preserved as VA implements new federal workforce guidance.

“VA must be forthcoming and transparent with Congress, VSOs, and the public about how it is implementing workforce changes and work to avoid or correct actions that could undermine VA’s ability to deliver care and benefits to veterans.

“Thank you, and I look forward to today’s hearing.”